The West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau was established for the purpose of developing and carrying out programs designed to promote tourism, attractions and events in West Baton Rouge Parish.
The West Baton Rouge Tourist Commission was created in 1976 by state legislation as an entity of the State of Louisiana. Act 47 of 1995 created the Tourist Commission as a political subdivision of the state and granted the authority to levy taxes on hotels, motels and campgrounds in West Baton Rouge Parish. We presently collect 4% occupancy tax. The funds generated pay for the day to day operation of the West Baton Rouge CVB.
1995 also created a Visitor Enterprise Fund which generates monies for the Bureau. These dollars are spent on improvements, preservation, tourist promotion, publications and are partially dedicated to the West Baton Rouge Conference Center facility and grounds. This money is spent solely on improvements, upkeep and promotion. Those funds also assist with the expenses associated with numerous special events, festivals and attractions in our parish, all of which bring visitors.
The West Baton Rouge Tourist Information & Conference Center was built in 2002 as a one-of-a-kind facility and the envy of many since its inception. The Tourist center welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually and the Conference Center hosts on average 300 events annually.
2007 brought with it a strategic plan for the Tourist Commission. A name change from the West Baton Rouge Tourist Commission to the West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau was just the first step. This plan for the Bureau has prepared us for both the growth of West Baton Rouge Parish and the tourism industry locally but also in the state of Louisiana.
The West Baton Rouge Convention & Visitors Bureau was officially named the principal agency for the West Baton Rouge Film office. That office is also housed at the Bureau and has most recently been certified by the American Film Commissioners International. This office is one of only a handful certified in the state of Louisiana. We are committed to working with our partner organizations, CVB and Tourist Commissions, governmental agencies and the business community for marketing opportunities that both enhance our organization and produce an economic impact to the Bureau as well as the parish, region and the state.
Our dedicated staff provides the most accurate information possible to give every visitor a unique, memorable and satisfying experience when visiting West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana.
